Scales cover the bodies of most lizards, bony fish, and snakes.

Birds are covered by different types of feathers. Fur, bristles, or hair covers most mammals. And some land and aquatic animals have shells. All of these different body coverings serve different purposes.

Students will have the opportunity to use photographs and related tactile items to compare the skin and coverings of various Arizona wildlife species. Based on these observations, they will organize and classify the items into different groups.

The lesson is available as a downloadable PDF that includes ideas to extend and modify the lesson for different audiences.